zone 5 (Pool Q) Egypt lead with second victory as Uganda register first win

29 November 2013

Kigali Rwanda November 27, 2013- Uganda registered their first win after trouncing Burundi 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) in a one sided encounter on day two of the FIVB World Championship zone 5 (Pool Q) qualification tournament held at Amahoro Sports Complex in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday. Burundi lost their second straight. Reigning African champions Egypt saw off Rwanda 3-1 (31-33, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16) in the other game of the day.

Now Egypt lead the 5 nation championship with 2-0, while Rwanda dropped 1-1.

Egypt v Rwanda 3-1 (31-33, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16)

The reigning African champions came from a set (33-31) down to register three unanswered sets (25-23, 25-14, 25-16) on their way to winning their second straight game.

With a full house at the Amohoro Sports Complex and chanted names of their local heroes, Rwanda Coach Paul Bitok kept on altering his side as junior players gauged themselves against African’s best volleyball playing country. Rwandan captain Christopher Mukunzi was impressed with his team’s performance despite the loss.

“We played a good game, the young boys released what it is like to play against a good side,” said Mukuzi. “Am sure it’s one experience that makes the team (Rwanda) stronger,” he added.

Uganda v Burundi 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17)

It was a game that Uganda badly wanted to win to brighten their chances of reaching the FIVB World Championship continental qualification stage and were rewarded abundantly by their East African counterparts.

Uganda won the game 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, and 25-17) with Antony Ndawula resting who one would term seniors players opting for the uncreditable figures. Though many had played for Uganda before, it was a proud moment for Ivan Ongom Bob who made his international debut mid-way the second set.

“I Waited for this day from the time l started playing volleyball in high school,” Ongom said. “I enjoyed myself in national colors, made some points but putting on the Black and yellow outfit is a moment I will cherish,” he added. It was the third time Uganda and Burundi were meeting in recent times and Uganda has come out on top on all of them.